Finally able to get back to the computer. Doctor appointment Monday afternoon, 800mg Motrin every four hours till then. Now I can at least stand up from a chair and sit back down again without feeling like I'm going to die.

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.

One word, Chiropractor!

I had back problems once, but they're behind me now...

I feel for you man. I just arrived home from another day at the hospital. My wife underwent back surgery last Friday. She had to have #3 & #4 and #4 & #5 fused because one disk was ruptured and the other bulging.

Don't worry about surgery though. Her condition has been going on for about 10 years now.

Now after 10 years of her ongoing problems I can tell you what I have learned.

Cold pack first, not heat.

Chiropractors are a waste of money if you have a real problem.

See your regular Dr. first!! If he thinks you need a specialist then he should refer you to one. I can almost guarantee it won't be a chiropractor.

If surgery is needed ask all the hospital RN's, Physical Therapist's, Lawyers or Paralegals you can about your surgeon. They will know of his reputation good or bad. (Dr.'s usually won't say anything about another Dr.) If in doubt get a second opinion and switch surgeons (We did).

Marla had the best preventative advice - YOGA. IMHO Yoga is the best preventative there is and it is not just a CHICK thing. Before Yoga I used to pull my lower back once or twice a year and go through a month of pain. Since starting Yoga a year ago I have not had a single back episode since!!!

Good luck to you and hopefully you didn't rupture anything!!

Mike

"Chiropractors are a waste of money if you have a real problem."

Two qstns,

1. At what point does your "doctor" (medical) tell you you "don't" have a real problem he can't treat with drugs?

2. Do you honestly believe a good bone cracker would try to treat you if your problem was beyond his control?

Go see a doctor and get some real drugs. I've had lower back pain for over 15 years. Mine is caused by a partially herniated disk at the L4/L5 vertebrae. The first time mine went out on me I was bending over to put air in a tire. When I tried to stand up my back just locked. The hospital took xrays but didn't find anything. They treated me for "muscle spasms".

I spent the next 4-5 years misdiagnosed and frequently in pain. I was prescribed muscle relaxers. I was finally given an MRI that showed the messed up disk. There are a series of exercises that can help strengthen the lower back muscles to help keep the vertebrae/disk from moving and pinching the nerves. It's important to lift properly and avoid bending the lower back any more than necessary.

Most importantly, get diagnosed to find out the cause. If it's vertebra/disk related get the pain management drugs and do the exercises. Muscle relaxers won't help and may even agrivate the injury. There's no point in needless suffering.